The Jim Flora Wallpaper Collection features patterns derived from and inspired by the mischievous, impish, and sometimes plain wacky art of James “Jim" Flora. Flora is best known for his wild jazz and classical album covers for Columbia and RCA Victor Records during the 1940s and 1950s, as well as several popular children's books, such as The Day The Cow Sneezed (1957).

Flora wreaked havoc with the laws of physics, conjuring flying musicians, levitating instruments, and wobbly dimensional perspectives, all with a sense of uncommon glee. We've built on Jim's groundbreaking artworks, mixing his irresistible mid-20th Century feel with 21st Century modern styling. The collection is a collaboration between Astek Wallcoverings, The Estate of Jim Flora and The Double E Company.

2014 marks the centenary of Jim’s birth (1914-1998), and we are getting the word out to salute him and his incredible style. There are two exhibitions slated for the celebrations:

The first, at Brooklyn, NY’s Jalopy, runs June 13th – August 22nd. This exhibit will spotlight Flora’s album cover art. On display will be some of the rarest covers, in addition to a number of original copies.

The second show, at the Silvermine Art Center in Flora’s hometown of Norwalk, CT., is a major retrospective of Flora’s fine art and commercial illustrations. The opening reception takes place September 21st, and the show runs through November 1st. Flora and his wife Jane were longtime members of the Silvermine Guild of Artists. This exhibit showcases dozens of rare works including paintings and original artist prints.

Who are Double E?

The Double E Company was started by best friends Eva and Elsa who share a great love of beautiful art, traveling, great music, old movies, well written stories, fine textiles, antique tchotchke, remarkable creators, delicious food, red and blue worn together, marzipan, the Beatles, oceans, sea glass, well-made toys, design around the world, sunlight, chunky silver, all animals, natural smells, mountains, hilarious small moments, big dreams, old cars, authenticity, classy refrigerator magnets, the perfect jeans, snow shoveling (no, really), open hearts, open chords, certain blues, the original Star Trek, buying presents, many shoes, anything that could be called groovy, intelligent writers, hazelnut milk, and the idea that they will soon be absurdly rich.